IndyCar: 5 possible replacements for Marcus Ericsson in 2024
By Asher Fair
If Marcus Ericsson indeed leaves Chip Ganassi Racing, who will replace him behind the wheel of the No. 8 Honda in the 2024 IndyCar season?
One of the main storylines of last year’s IndyCar season revolved around Alex Palou, when he was both re-signed by Chip Ganassi Racing and signed by McLaren for the 2023 season. Chip Ganassi Racing ultimately won Palou’s services for 2023.
Even with the 2021 champion back behind the wheel of the No. 10 Honda for a third season this year, many believed that he would compete for Arrow McLaren in 2024. But with him instead likely to return to Chip Ganassi Racing, the silly season focus has shifted to teammate Marcus Ericsson.
Ericsson wants to be treated and paid like a top driver, but Chip Ganassi wants him to continue to bring funding, which may not be possible with longtime backer Finn Rausing said to be done supplying sponsorship for the 32-year-old Swede after 2023.
If he ends up leaving Chip Ganassi Racing, who will replace him?
Possible Marcus Ericsson replacements for 2024: No. 1 – Linus Lundqvist
The 2023 season nearly became the first season since 2011 in which the reigning Indy Lights champion did not compete in an IndyCar race, but Meyer Shank Racing called upon Linus Lundqvist to replace the injured Simon Pagenaud behind the wheel of the No. 60 Honda both at Nashville Street Circuit and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
Lundqvist’s performance immediately turned heads. He advanced to the second round of qualifying in Nashville and secured the No. 60 team’s best finish of the season of 12th place in Indianapolis.
The 24-year-old Swede basically made it impossible for teams not to offer him a contract for 2024 after overlooking him in 2023. But not many expected him to generate interest from the sport’s top team straight away.
While nothing has been formally announced, Lundqvist is said to be the frontrunner to replace Marcus Ericsson.